For amend and vote only and upon recommitment, the Ways and MeansCommittee heard HB 1006 on prosecutors, authored by Rep. Jeter. The bill establishes a special prosecutor unit, a prosecutor review board, and a public prosecution fund. It sets guidelines and standards that allow counties to be eligible for reimbursement of prosecution-related expenses. The bill passed … [Read more...] about Prosecutors
Judicial Administration
Public service attorney scholarships
For amend and vote only and upon recommitment, the Ways and Means Committee heard HB 1049 on public service attorney scholarships authored by Rep. Steuerwald. The bill establishes a county deputy prosecuting attorney and public defender scholarship program and a scholarship fund. The Commission for Higher Education will administer both the program and the fund. The bill was … [Read more...] about Public service attorney scholarships
Funding for family recovery courts
The House Judiciary Committee heard HB 1107 on funding for family recovery courts, authored by Rep. Garcia Wilburn. This bill establishes the family recovery court fund that is continuously appropriated. It provides that family recovery courts target cases of abuse or neglect wherein a parent or primary caregiver suffers from a substance use disorder or co-occurring disorders and … [Read more...] about Funding for family recovery courts
Civil legal aid fund
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard SB 222 authored by Senator Carrasco on the civil legal aid fund. This bill aims to eliminate a formula in the civil legal aid statute to change how funds are distributed and limit how civil legal aid providers can use the funds. The bill was amended to require that the civil legal aid dollars not be used to initiate or participate in the … [Read more...] about Civil legal aid fund
Marion County small claims court jurisdiction, venue, and fees
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard SB 327 authored by Sen. Freeman on Marion County small claims court fees. The bill: The Committee amended the bill to: Hon. Cheryl Rivera, Perry Township Small Claims Court, testified in opposition. Hon. Kimberly Bacon, Lawrence Township Small Claims Court, testified in support of the bill. The amended bill passed 10-2 and was … [Read more...] about Marion County small claims court jurisdiction, venue, and fees